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Tourist Attractions of Chiang Mai, Thailand
Tourist Attractions of Chiang Mai, Thailand
Tourist Attractions of Chiang Mai, Thailand
General Information
Thailand was for centuries known as Siam, the official title changing to Muang Thai (home
of the free) in 1939. The country is located in Southeast Asia and borders Myanmar, Laos,
Cambodia and Malaysia. It has a population of nearly 65 million in a country roughly the
same size as France and has 3,219 kilometers of coastline.
Thailand is a constitutional monarchy with a long democratic tradition political parties and
elections. The current monarch is his majesty of the King BhumibolAdulyadej the worlds
longest reigning monarch. He is revered within Thailand and thoroughly respected
throughout the world. His solid guidance has seen his kingdom through some of the
countrys more tumultuous episodes.
95% of Thais are Buddhist with a smaller Muslim minority (3.8%) predominantly living in
Thailands southern regions. Aside from this Thailand has a small number of Christians
(0.5%) and a few Hindus (0.1%). Thailand prides itself on religious freedom and newer
religions (Jehovahs Witness, etc.) are emerging.
Situated in the northern hemisphere but in the tropics, Thailand is a tropical country with
often hot and rainy weather and annual monsoons. Thailand has a range of geographic
regions - mountainous, plains and plateaus, as well as a number of beach areas.
Chiang Mai
Often referred to as the Rose of the North, Chiang Mai is the economic and cultural center
of Northern Thailand and the focus of tourism within the region.
Located about 700 kilometers from Bangkok, it is one of Thailands better known and most
visited provinces. Originally the capital of the Lanna Thai kingdom created by King Mengrai
in 1296, the province has a played a major part in the development of the country. Situated
on the Mae Ping River and around 310 meters above sea level, Chiang Mai is one of the
kingdoms most beautiful provinces, featuring mountain ranges and hills amidst lush
greenery and jungle.
Climate conditions in the area can create swirls of mist and fog in winter an unusual sight
in a tropical country. The provinces numerous national parks are extremely fertile, have an
abundance of flowers, and support a broad range of wildlife (the area is particularly
associated with elephants).
The province is also famed as being a home to numerous tribal peoples and visits to tribal
villages are a key component of the areas tourism. Some of the main attractions in the area
include WatPhra That DoiSuthep and DoiIntanon Thailands biggest mountain.
CULTURE
WatPrathatDoiSuthep
This is one of Thailands most famous temples,
overlooking the city from its spectacular mountain
location. The winding road up to the temple passes
a couple of nice waterfalls and the view from the
temple platform is impressive.
The site dates from 1386 and is revered among
Thais as one of the countrys most important
religious sites. With its distinctive gilded chedi and
marble-floored courtyard, the temple is full of
symbolism and is usually busy. If the 300 steps
leading up to the temple are too much for you, a lift offers a quick shortcut.
On the way up to the temple, it's worth looking at HuayKaew and Monthathan Falls - a
meditation center is attached to the temple and food, drink and souvenirs are on sale at the
entrance. Open: 06:00-21:00.
contains two ancient, diminutive Buddha images; one purported to be almost 2,000 years
old. This temple is a good example of classic Lanna architecture. Open: 06:00-17:00.
WatChediLuang
This is perhaps Chiang Mais most striking relic
and was once the most important in the Lanna
capital. Dating from 1441, the 91-metre high
pagoda was felled to half that height in an
earthquake in the late 16th century. To this day the
partially renovated chedi remains the tallest
structure in the old city and the main attraction.
There are several Viharn or Ubosots in the
compound as well. The much revered Emerald
Buddha, found in the Grand Palace in Bangkok, briefly lived here during its remarkable
travels. Open: 06:00-17:00.
WatPhra Singh
Situated in the middle of the old city, this temple
contains Chiang Mais most important Buddha
statue. The recently restored Viharn Lai Kham is a
classic example of a Lanna-style viharn while the
main viharn (c. 15th century) houses the much
venerated PhraSihing Buddha, which has a murky
background yet a unique lion-style originating from
Sri Lanka. A distinctive, elevated Hoi Tra (scriptures
repository) is also on site. The mural paintings on the walls of WatPhra Singh depict the scenes
of Suwannahong and Sang Thong classic literature. Open: 06:00-17:00.
WiangKumKam
The original Chiang Mai city was unearthed in 1984
and is situated just outside the modern metropolitan
area, to the southwest. It was built by King Mengrai
as his first attempt to establish a settlement in the
valley before chronic flooding of the Ping River
forced its abandonment. Almost 20 temples have
been uncovered in the area and a ride by horse
drawn carriage, or by bicycle, will let you take most
of them in within half a day. Some have been well excavated and offer a fascinating Atlantis of
Chiang Mai. There is also the striking Chedi Liam in the area, attached to a working
temple. Open: 08:00-17:00. Tel (053) 140 322, 277 322; email: tatchmai@tat.or.th.
Wat U Mong
This forest retreat was built in 1296 by King
Mengrai and is located in a rustic setting near
Suthep Road. It was renovated during the reign of
King Keu Na, but is unlike the usual gaudy
temples of Thailand, being a retreat comprising
mostly of forested grounds. It features a unique
tunnel-like construction beneath an ancient chedi
and there is a lake full of overfed fish and a deer
sanctuary behind the temple on the mountain slopes. Open: 08:00-17:00.
WatSuanDok
This temple was established to the west of the old
town as a Buddhist university that survives to this
day and is noted for its collection of stark chedis
under which several former rulers of Lanna have
their ashes interred. There is a monk chat here every
evening from 17:00, where novice monks practise
their English by answering questions on
Buddhism. Open: 06:00-17:00.
WatDoi Kham
Rarely visited by the throngs of tourists coming to the
city, this temple, located behind the Royal Flora
grounds, pre-dates the city itself and is unremarkable
except for a giant seated Buddha that was constructed
more recently. Open: 08:00-17:00.
ADVENTURE
The city of Chiang Mai has a wide variety of activities to
suit all ages and preferences. It's certainly one of the
draw cards of the city, offering a far greater choice than
any other tourist centre in Thailand. Activities on offer
include: trekking, mountain biking, walking, elephant
riding (and mahout courses), whitewater rafting and
kayaking, ATV and motorbike trips, soft adventure
activities and extreme sports such as bungee jumping
and even drift karting. There is also tenpin bowling,
tennis, golf, walking and swimming and kick boxing
camps. More sedate activities include cooking courses,
meditation, yoga, tai chi and even shopping.
Soft adventures that offer a chance to get into the
mountainous wilderness of Northern Thailand are a
primary attraction in Chiang Mai, certainly for
backpackers and even families. Numerous tour companies in the town centre offer a range of
activities in Chiang Mai, either as day trips or multi-day adventures, at reasonable prices.
Alternatively you can find your own way to some of these, or plan your own adventure on rented
motorbikes. Here are the most recommended or popular activities.
Kampong. Jungle Flight offers a similar experience in the nearby mountains, and offers a
shortened half-day tour. You'll probably wish you had spent more time in the canopy, however.
SHOPPING
Every evening, the centre of Chiang Mai comes alive with the massive Night Market that
stretches for several blocks and includes restaurants, bars and entertainment. Few people visit
Chiang Mai without picking up a few bargains here. In fact, the stalls that are squeezed on to the
pavement and in the purpose-built arcades of Chang Klan Road are one of Chiang Mai's biggest
attractions.
Night Bazaar
At the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar you can pick up
everything and an astonishing variety of handicraft
souvenirs, or sample the smoothness of the colourful silk
on sale everywhere. You can have a suit measured up,
ready for your collection the following evening or browse
exquisite Asian silver jewelry
The Chiang Mai Night Market is considered legendary and certainly one of the cheapest places
for tourists to shop in Thailand, owing to its close proximity to the source of products and the
lower cost of living in Chiang Mai. It is situated along a three-block stretch of Chan Klan Road in
the heart of the city, and within walking distance of most hotels.
Clustered around it are many restaurants and other
useful services, such as camera shops, travel agents,
internet cafes, massage and more. One popular activity
is to have your portrait done all dressed up in traditional
Thai costume. A word of warning; it does get crowded
in the high season and the narrow lanes between the
stalls become a human traffic jam. Many of the more
traditional handicrafts can be found at the more
pleasant Sunday Walking Street in the old town.
Wandering along the crowded pavements, admiring the beautifully-made handicrafts and seeking
out bargains on more contemporary consumer goods, is the best way to enjoy the Chiang Mai
Night market. Take your time and be patient but, most of all, learn how to bargain
Walking Street
Wualai Walking Street (Saturday Market):
Best known for its high quality authentic northern silver
and lacquer wares, unique handicraft, Thai local food,
and traditional performance, Wualai Walking Street is
one of the most popular shopping destination in Chiang
Mai. Come here to shop till you drop from 4 PM to 10
PM.
to take home, or wholesale, then Chiang Mai is certainly the place to do so. Although you can
pick these up from the Night Market or Sunday Walking Street, its worth spending a morning
visiting the sources in Borsang and Baan Tawai.
Handicrafts have been produced in these two satellite towns
close to Chiang Mai for generations. Methods of wood carving
and use of natural materials, such as saa (mulberry paper),
among others, have been developed over hundreds of years by
skilled artisans. Lately, a new generation of university educated
art students have added their own contemporary styles.
OTHER
Phuping Palace and National Park
Located another six kilometres up the mountain, this
site is decorated with plenty of colourful, exotic
flowers. It serves as the royal winter residence from
midDecember to early February, when it is closed
to visitors. Carry on up the mountain and you visit a
very touristy Hmong hill tribe village, Baan DoiPui, or
continue to a lovely viewpoint near the summit.
Trail around a pretty lake has many zoo-like enclosures and when it gets dark two different tram
rides take visitors through open safari area full of African, Asia and South American predators
and wild animals. It includes a large pavilion area with restaurant and Southeast Asias biggest
musical fountain. Open: daily, 11:00-22:00, Day Safari (Thai version) Depart every 30 mins,
During 15:00-16:30 (the trip takes 60 mins), Night safari Tram ride (Thai version) Depart 18:30,
19:30, 20:30, 21:30 and 22:00, Night safari Tram ride (English version) Depart 18:50, 19:30,
20:30, 21:30 and 22:00. 33 Moo 12, NongKwaii, Hang Dong, tel: (053) 999 000, Fax: (053) 999
099. More on the Night Safari. website:www.chiangmainightsafari.com.
near the
e Night Safa
ari, south we
est of the cityy. Open: 08::00-18:00 (d
daily). Mae H
Hie, Muang; tel:
(053) 11
14 110-5, fax: (053) 114
4 196, emaill:rprp@hrdi.o
or.th, royalp
parkrajapruek2011@gmail.com,
website: www.royallparkrajapruek.org.
hant ridiing in Ch
hiang Mai
M
Eleph
There are
a a number of elephan
nt camps wh
here you can
n
ride thro
ough the jun
ngle on the back
b
of these
e massive
beasts and
a see them in action. There are camps
c
in
Mae Sa
a, Chiang Da
ao, Mae Tae
eng, Lampan
ng and Mae
Wang. Finding
F
them
m can be triccky so it's be
est to
arrange
e a tour throu
ugh your gue
esthouse, hotel or a
tour guid
de. Indepen
ndent travelle
ers can follo
ow their
tourist map
m to the Mae
M Sa Valle
ey (north of the city) and
d
drive up
p into the mo
ountains to the
t well-sign
ned and very
y
popular Elephant Camp.
C
The other camps around Chia
ang Mai tend to be less touristy and
d are
preferre
ed for longerr day tours. Aside
A
from watching
w
the
e elephants bathing and
d eating, you
u can
witness one of theirr entertaining
g shows where the elep
phants kick balls,
b
beat d
drums, dance
e and
aint - it sound
ds silly but they
t
have little other use
e now that lo
ogging has b
been banned. This
even pa
is one way
w to keep the elephan
nts and theirr mahouts em
mployed, an
nd makes forr a great fam
mily
outing.
Mae Sa
S Eleph
hant Tra
aining Centre
Mae Sa
a offers eleph
hant shows,, bathing
elephan
nts and elephant rides. Located
L
abo
out an
hours drive
d
into the
e Mae Sa Va
alley, this is a
great ou
uting for the whole family. Theres even
e
a
bamboo
o rafting centre. Its one of several camps
c
in the arrea, with the
e rival Mae Taman
T
camp
p in
Mae Tang operated
d by the estrranged wife of this camp
ps owner.
Theres another we
ell-known camp in Lamp
pang, and alll provide a fu
un experience with elep
phants
trained to
t paint, play musical in
nstruments and
a conduct humorous stunts.
s
DoiIn
nthanon Nationa
al Park mountai
m
n guide
At 2,565
5m, DoiIntha
anon is the highest
h
mou
untain in Tha
ailand and its surroundin
ng areas are
e
designa
ated as the DoiInthanon
D
National Pa
ark. The park itself lies roughly
r
90 m
minutes' driv
ve
southwe
est of Chiang Mai and iss popular forr its magnific
cent waterfa
alls, flora and
d excellent views.
v
You can
n drive all the way to the
e top, where
e stately chedis have been erected iin honour off the
present King and Queen
Q
of Tha
ailand. The climate
c
up at
a the top is almost
a
alpin
ne and cool at
a all
times off the year, with
w sub-zero
o (Celsius) te
emperatures
s in winter.
Halfwayy up is Wach
hiratan wate
erfall, which plunges ove
er a
40m dro
op and casccades down through som
me suitable
swimming pools. Th
he final wate
erfall, Siriphu
um, can be
seen fro
om the road near the ran
nger station and campsite
and is also
a
a tall wissp of white water
w
and ussually less
busy. However, the
e water level varies grea
atly from dry to
rainy se
eason.
http://w
www.1stopch
hiangmai.com
m/
http://w
www.tourism
mthailand.orgg/SeeandDo
o/Sightsand
dAttractionssDetail/